I purchased this 4 ounce/113 gram bag of Blue Ridge beef jerky online in 2012.
This roasted garlic flavored jerky is manufactured, and distributed by Blue Ridge Beef Jerky based out of Greenville, South Carolina. It’s a family owned business run by Richard and Greg, where Greg is described as a jerky junkie. The vision for their line of jerky is “the working man’s comfort snack”. Richard was always careful not to sacrifice quality for the sake of profit. They realized that most jerky sold in stores is loaded with MSG and preservatives, where they have earned the nickname of the “Jerky Guys” for their commitment to selling healthy jerky.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Worcestershire Sauce (Distilled Vinegar, Molasses, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Caramel Color, Garlic Powder, Sugar, Spices, Anchovies, Tamarind and Natural Flavor), Garlic, Pepper, Spices Allergen Warnings: Anchovies, Soy, Wheat
The beef used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. Also, the beef is not guaranteed to have at least partial free range access to graze on grass. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Good (8/10) rating.
This whole ingredient list is primarily soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, where both ingredient lists are average.
Fresh garlic is used, which many people believe to belong in the superfood category. There is also healthy black pepper, and other spices used.
The sugar level is very respectable at only 1 gram of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. On the other hand, the salt level is ridiculously high at 820mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. The preferred salt level is 350mg of salt or less.
As advertised, this jerky qualifies to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, salt is the main preservative used. Also, as advertised, this jerky qualifies to have no MSG added.
Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
The texture was very good, in between soft and dry. I kept poor notes on the taste in 2012. There was a good blend of the soy and Worcestershire sauce flavors. The garlic level was mild at best. What I do recall the most, this jerky was gone in no time.
I paid $7.99 for this 4 ounce/113 gram bag of jerky that works out to $2.00 an ounce, which is an average price. Apart from a very high sodium level, this jerky is a decent buy.
Bag Review
The bag itself is unusual in that it’s a perfect square shape, where normally bags of jerky have a rectangular shape. There is a label affixed to the bag, with nothing on the back of the bag.
The design is half decent, showing a blue ridge with evergreen trees in the background. The only fact printed on the bag is “No MSG Added”.
All major bag categories are covered here. One minor category missing is the distributor address details. There is no blurb on this bag about the jerky or flavor, granted there is no room.
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